Bali is blessed with a myriad of stunning beaches. From the powdery white sand surf beaches of the Bukit Peninsula to the calm black sand beaches of the islands north, there are beaches to suit everyone. The diversity of Bali’s beaches is such that you are unlikely to find similar in any one place anywhere in the world. Read on as we explore ten of the most beautiful Bali beaches. See how many of these you can check off your list when you visit the Island of the Gods.
Melasti Beach
Pantai Melasti is a beautiful white sand beach, fringing the crystal clear waters of Bali’s southern coastline. Located at the base of high cliffs, Melasti Beach is one of the most popular beaches along this stretch of coast. Access is very easy with the wide road winding its way down to the beach offering magnificent ocean views along the way. Once there the beach is a great spot for a swim, surf or just lying in the sun. There are lifeguards on duty here, but as it is a surf beach, keep an eye on the water conditions. And always be aware of your own swimming abilities.
It can get busy on the weekends, however during the week is definitely the time for you if you prefer to avoid crowds. Facilities here include beach clubs, as well as plenty of warungs for all your food and drink needs. Several amenities blocks, as well as good parking for cars and motorbikes all make it a very comfortable spot to enjoy a day out. Costs are cheap given the level of amenities here, access for two people and parking for one scooter cost us 22K Rupiah (approx $1.55 USD or $2.15 Aud).
Virgin Beach
Virgin Beach, also known as White-sand beach is a hidden gem located near Candidasa in Bali’s Eastern region of Karangasem. Virgin Beach is arguably the most beautiful beach near Candidasa. It is ideally located within a small bay, rugged cliffs at each end, and coconut palms providing a tropical backdrop to the beach. Traditional fishing boats, called Jukung, line one end of the beach. The fisherman can be seen working here early in the mornings. Warungs, with daybeds and umbrellas, line the other end of the beach. Hire one of these for a day and the warung owners will ensure you want for nothing.
The warm turquoise waters of the Lombok Strait will undoubtedly invite you for a swim or snorkel. This beach is exposed to the ocean and can be rough at times, so please make sure you check the water conditions before going for a swim. The cost to enter the Beach is 15K IDR per person which also includes parking. Definitely worth visiting when you are in Candidasa. You won’t be disappointed.
Padang Padang Beach
Pantai Padang Padang on the Bukit Peninsula is perhaps best known as the beach in the Julia Roberts blockbuster movie, Eat, Pray, Love. Located close to the famous Uluwatu Temple, this beach is a favourite for swimmers and surfers alike. Accessed via a narrow stairway built between two rock walls, the five-minute descent disguises the beach to come. As you reach the bottom, a small, but beautiful white sand beach opens up in front of you. Surrounded by high cliffs and large rocky outcrops in the ocean, it presents as a stunningly beautiful bay. The water is crystal clear, with a gentle surf break on the beach making it suitable for swimming. The surfers head much further out for their waves.
Monkeys are common here, and they do steal items from unsuspecting visitors, so make sure all your belongings are secure. If you fancy a fresh coconut or something to eat, there are several warungs here. Located on Jalan Labuan Sait, Pecatu, Scooter parking is 2K Rupiah (approx $0.15 USD or $0.20 Aud). The cost to access the beach is 15K Rupiah(approx $1.05 USD or $1.50 Aud) per person.
Nungallan Beach
Pantai Nunggalan is one of the hidden beaches on Bali’s Bukit Peninsula. Located at the foot of a 400-metre high cliff, it takes quite an effort to reach this spot. But it’s worth it! The walk takes about 20-25 minutes each way. Quite steep in part, the track in is completely unsealed, and in places is not clearly defined. Once down, you are quite likely to find you have the beach to yourself. The clean white sand stretches several kilometres from end to end. And the water is crystal clear. It is a surf beach, so be careful if going for a swim.
There are remnants of a shipwreck on the beach here which has become something of an Instagram spot. You will also find a warung providing snacks and cold drinks. You would be hard-pressed to find a better spot to sit and enjoy a fresh coconut. This warung is not always open so make sure you bring plenty of drinking water with you. Access is via Jalan Pantai Nunggalan. Parking costs 5k Rupiah (less than $1), However, access to the beach itself is free of charge.
Batu Bolong Beach
Canggu, north of Kuta on the west coast of Bali is one of the more popular places in Bali. Attracting both the surfing crowd and the digital nomads the area is lined with fantastic surf beaches. Batu Bolong Beach is one of the better-known beaches in the area. The wide, black sand beach is very popular for a morning walk or exercise. The surf break close to shore is suitable for beginner surfers and for more experienced swimmers. While the outer break is definitely for the more experienced surfers amongst us. Surfboards are available for rent. And there are plenty of warungs to grab a snack after a surf session.
There are also several beach clubs along this stretch of beach if you fancy relaxing with a couple of drinks for a few hours. Don’t forget the sunsets! Being on Bali’s west coast, Canggu is blessed with some of the best ocean sunsets on the island. So if you have the time, grab a cold drink, sit down and enjoy a spectacular sunset show provided by nature.
Kuta Beach
Want to relax on a beach lounge with an umbrella – Check? How about an icy cold Bintang? – Check. Hungry for a freshly cooked nasi goreng? – Check. Feeling sore and need a massage? – Check. Want your hair braided (if you have any!) or a pedicure? – Check. How about souvenir shopping without getting out of your chair? – Check. How about some of the best ocean sunset views in Bali? – Check? If you answered yes to these questions, then Kuta beach is for you. The busiest beach in Bali is located on Jalan Pantai Kuta. Enjoy!
Sanur Beach
Sanur Beach is actually a number of beaches stretched out over approximately seven kilometres of prime Balinese beachfront. The gold-sand beaches are mostly protected from ocean swells due to the outer reef that sits parallel to the beach for almost its entire length. Very popular with locals and tourists alike, the waters are calm and safe for swimming. A walking and bicycle pathway provides easy access to the entire length of the beach. Warungs and markets line the pathway providing a myriad of options for eating and shopping. Sanur beach is definitely worth considering for families and the more mature travellers amongst us.
Amed Beach
Amed Beach on Bali’s east coast sits in the shadows of the spectacular Gunung Agung, or Mount Agung Volcano. Amed itself comprises several villages, each with its own beach, spread over several kilometres of spectacular coastline. Towering cliffs with views into the crystal clear water below and black sand or pebble beaches lined with traditional jukung canoes are all around.
The beaches here are not the glistening white sand that first comes to mind when thinking of a tropical island. Rather they are lined with volcanic black sand and pebbles. The beaches are popular for watersports, with diving and snorkelling possible directly off the beaches. Some of the best coral reefs teeming with fish life can be found directly off Jemeluk beach. And old shipwrecks are very popular for the divers and snorkellers, including the US Liberty wreck at Tulamben which can be found within a few meters of the shoreline.
Pandawa Beach
Bali’s Bukit Peninsula is blessed with some absolutely stunning beaches, and Pandawa Beach is no exception. Sitting at the foot of towing cliffs, the drive down to the beach provides spectacular views of the beach and the Indian Ocean. White sand beaches, and turquoise waters, sheltered by an offshore reef make this one of the most family-friendly beaches in the south of Bali.
Kayaks, standup paddleboards and other watercraft are available for hire. Sunbeds and umbrellas line the back of the beach. You can hire these from the warungs and cafes that line the beach path for 50K rupiah per day. Set yourself up on these beds, and order your food and ice cold drinks from the warung holders. You only have to get off the sunbeds if you want a dip in the ocean. Definitely an enjoyable day out for the whole family. Entry to Pandawa Beach is 15K Rupiah (approx $1.05 USD or $1.50 Aud) per person which includes parking.
Dream Beach
Still officially a part of Bali, Dream Beach is on Nusa Lembongan, a 30-minute ride on a fast boat across the Badung Strait from Sanur. Dream Beach is a beautiful white sand beach in a small bay surrounded by limestone cliffs. The deeply sloping beach faces the Indian Ocean and at times, large swells come crashing into the beach. So when you visit here, please make sure the water is safe for swimming before entering.
Devils Tears, a natural blowhole, and one of Nusa Lembongan’s most popular attractions are nearby and you can often see the water erupting high into the air. Dream Beach also provides one of the best sunset views on the Island. As hotels overlook the beach, this is one of the better places on the island to sit back and enjoy a cold drink and a meal in their restaurant. It’s definitely worth visiting when you are next on Nusa Lembongan.
Final Words
Remember that you are holidaying in the tropics and the weather is hot all year round. You can easily spend hours relaxing and enjoying yourself on the beautiful Bali beaches and it would be very easy to become dehydrated. Drink plenty of water and wear a hat. Use sunscreen liberally, even during overcast days. The last thing you want is to spend half of your hard-earned vacation sunburnt. For more tips to help you enjoy your Bali holiday, read our list of 30 Best Bali Travel Tips For Your Bali Holiday here.
